Forward Perry Jones III (Baylor) has been named as the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, it was announced. It marks the first time in BU history that the school has had the conference's preseason Player of the Year. Forward Royce White (Iowa State) is the Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while LeBryan Nash (Oklahoma State) was tabbed Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year. Players honored in preseason voting were selected by the league head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own student-athletes.

Jones III returns to Waco after bypassing the opportunity to become a NBA lottery pick. The sophomore started a Baylor freshman-record 30 games last season, averaging 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 54.9 percent. He was named to the USBWA Freshman All-America Team, the All-Big 12 Second Team and Big 12 All-Rookie Team.

White sat out last season after transferring from the University of Minnesota. He did not compete in any contests as a Golden Gopher, but was rated as one of the top 20 high school players in the nation in 2009. White was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Minnesota that year after averaging 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He shot 60 percent from the field en route to first team all-state honors.

Nash earned McDonald's and Parade All-America Team honors in 2011. He was rated in the top five at his position by multiple outlets after posting 22 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game as a senior, including 24 outings with 20 points or more. Nash also played for the USA squad that won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships this past summer.

The Preseason All-Big 12 team was also announced. In addition to Jones, Thomas Robinson (Kansas), Marcus Denmon (Missouri), J'Covan Brown (Texas) and Khris Middleton (Texas A&M) were recognized. It marked the first time since 2004 that Missouri has had an athlete on the preseason team.